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In modern day, having a watch with a compass is more of a failsafe than a necessity. Due to advancements in technology on phones, as well as having smartwatches and other handheld devices with GPS trackers, compasses have taken a backseat.
Put another way, you don’t have to learn to use a compass in today’s day and age if you don’t want to. It is definitely a useful skill to have, but there are other ways to locate where you are or where you want to go. However, in a world where neither watches nor compasses are needed, people still purchase and use them. Perhaps this is nostalgia, or perhaps you just like to use your own brain rather than have technology do everything for you.
Despite being taken over by technology, skills such as compass use and map reading is still a useful tool for those in the military or those with a love for the outdoors.
In summary, this article outlines the best compass watches by each brand. After all, there are only a small handful of brands that actually bother to make watches with either an analog or digital compass. Thankfully, almost all of these brands are both very established and reliable such as Seiko, Casio and Timex.
Table of Contents
What Is A Compass Watch?
A compass watch is pretty self explanatory. It is a watch that makes use of a built-in compass. This can be any sort of movement, whether analog, digital, or both. Of course, compass watches often have other features too such as altimeters and barometers, and various other hiking related gadgets.
GPS Watches Vs Compass Watches
GPS watches are technologically superior to compass watches, but they are not without their drawbacks. A GPS watch can pinpoint your geographical location to an extremely high degree of precision by using several satellites, this is something a compass watch cannot do.
On the other hand GPS watches are 100% reliant on modern technology, satellite coverage, and take up a LOT of battery life, not to mention are more expensive.
If you know what you’re doing and are experienced with using a compass, in some ways they are actually superior to GPS. Using a compass on a watch is no more difficult than using a standalone compass, they are built to last and will work almost anywhere in the world (provided you are not standing at the north pole). A compass watch is something that will not let you down and is not reliant on modern technology. Overall, a compass is not as capable as a GPS and requires you to use your brain.
How To Use A Rotating Bezel Compass On A Watch
If your watch has a compass around the bezel, this is a little more difficult to use than a regular compass, or a digital one that updates by itself. However, it is still relatively easy to use, particularly if you have used a compass in the past.
After sunrise in the northern hemisphere, you should rotate the bezel so that the “S” is in between the current position of the hour hand and the 12 o’clock position. If you then hold the watch horizontally with the dial facing the sky, this will show the true position of north, south, east, and west.
This is not the most accurate way to tell which direction you are heading in, but will give you a general sense of where to go.
If you happen to be in the southern hemisphere, this technique works exactly the same way by switching south with north during the initial setup.
Features To Consider When Buying A Compass Watch
Movement
There are two main types of movement used in compass watches. These are analog and digital. Whilst smartwatches often also have compasses, they primarily use GPS and use a lot more battery than traditional watches. A smartwatch may last 7 days before it needs recharging, whereas analog and digital watches can last for many years without needing their battery replaced.
Overall, this is mostly down to personal preference. Some people prefer digital watches, whereas others prefer traditional analog watches. Their compasses function in different ways to each other, but get exactly the same result when called upon.
Ruggedness
Toughness is a feature that is required for all watches, some need it more than others. There is almost always a trade-off between fashion and ruggedness. G-Shock watches for example are extremely heavily padded and reinforced, although they are considered somewhat fashionable, they are very different from typical fashion watches which are slimline and delicate.
One feature worth considering in particular is sapphire crystal. This glass is a lot more scratch and scuff-proof than regular mineral glass. If you’re using your watch in the outdoors, it is inevitable that it is going to take a few knocks and bumps, however, it’s best if the glass is protected the most as this is what matters most when trying to tell the time or look at the compass.
Battery Life
Battery longevity is something that you would prefer to have with any watch. Most watch batteries last around 2-3 years, with some digital models lasting around 8. There is a 3rd option which is a solar compass watch. These watches use the energy from light sources such as sun and store the energy in a capacitor. In terms of convenience and ability to last for an extended period of time, solar watches are more optimal than regular battery powered watches.
Waterproof
If you’re purchasing a compass watch, then you’re likely going to be using it outdoors. Therefore a minimum requirement is that the watch is waterproof. The last thing you want is to have a long hike or journey ahead of you, only to realize there is some condensation inside your watch and it cannot be used. Thankfully, a waterproof watch with a compass is something that is very common. It’s almost impossible to find a watch like this that is not waterproof, so this is not too much of a concern.
Reliability
Only the best brands and models have been chosen for this list. Whilst there may be cheaper Chinese watch models with compasses, unless they are a proven brand there is not much point in paying attention to them.
Even if a watch performs well 99% of the time, if you are trekking in woodland, you certainly do not want this to be the 1% if you’re not entirely sure where you are. Brands such as Casio, Seiko, Timex, and Citizen have a proven track record not letting you down.
Stopwatch / Chronograph
As a watch with a built in compass is likely going to be used for outdoor activities, it makes sense to have a timer of some sort. Typically digital watches are better than traditional watches when it comes to chronographs since they can time for a lot longer (up to 100 hours) compared to the standard 1 hour timer on analog watches.
Best Watches With A Compass
Casio G-Shock Rangeman
G-Shock is a classic range of digital watch models. The rangeman in particular is an ABC spec model, which means a watch with compass and altimeter, as well as a barometer. This is a true digital compass watch as it does not use any physical analog parts which are affected by magnets.
It’s likely that you’ve heard of G-Shock before so the benefits of this series do not need to be explained in too much detail. In short, this is a super tough watch that will never break with a variety of features such as mud resistance and a stopwatch. Not only this, but G-Shocks are often worn in casual settings, so are not just simply a watch for the outdoors – although they can survive it easily.
Timex Expedition
Timex cheated a little with this Expedition model, you couldn’t quite classify it with other analog compass watches, but the compass is certainly not digital. In an unusual layout, this particular Expedition has a standard digital setup with an external analog compass. Not that you would ever really about the battery dying or a Timex breaking on you, but even if that did happen, you would still be able to use the compass, since it is not part of the digital layout.
Of course, Timex watches are not aesthetic masterpieces, but they are very solid and great value for money.
Garmin Instinct
Garmin are a brand which is well known for their outdoor, fitness tracking and sports smartwatches. The instinct is very good value for money and one of the cheapest smartwatches you can buy from a top brand. The instinct does have GPS, but this can be turned off to save on precious battery life. Thankfully, the instinct also has a 3-axis compass – which is a fancy triangulation system that is a lot more accurate than a regular digital compass, although this does rely more on modern technology than traditional methods.
As this is a smartwatch, you also get access to a lot of features that regular digital watches do not give you, such as heart rate monitor, fitness tracking and trackback applications specifically made for hiking.
Timex Intelligent Quartz
One of many Timex compass watches, the intelligent quartz model is quite a bit different, since it is not a digital watch. This watch sits in the category of maritime and military watches with a compass. Although you could use this Timex watch for hiking, it is best used at sea. The thermometer on this model allows you to test both the air and sea temperatures since it is water resistant to 100 meters.
You are also able to track the tides and count down the hours until it becomes high. This is very useful since you don’t want to get caught out at sea and this watch gives you some fore-warning in case the elements were not quite what you expected.
Casio Pro Trek Triple Sensor
One of the best tactical watches with a compass is the Casio Pro Trek. This watch has a variety of features you will need for the great outdoors, as well as running off solar technology, essentially this means that the watch will not run out of battery and never inconvenience you.
Not only this, but the Pro Trek is radio controlled, meaning that it gets its time from the nearest atomic clock. Anyone who knows anything about atomic timekeeping will know that it is the most accurate measure of time on the planet. The bearing memory function of this watch allows you to visualize where you have come from and where you need to go, adding to the practicality of the in-built compass.
Invicta Aviator
Designed as an aviation themed fashion watch, surprisingly this Invicta has a compass with some practical use. I will never be quite sure why Invicta decided to place a compass around the outer dial of an oversized watch, but they did it anyway.
This is not a particularly high spec watch and it offers nowhere near the number of features when compared to any other watch on this list. It is however cheap and reliable, running off a Miyota quartz movement.
Overall, this is one of the only fashion watches with a compass that you will find. Almost nobody makes a style like this other than Invicta.
Seiko 5 SNZJ05
The Seiko 5 series needs no introduction. It is by far the best value entry into automatic watches for those who are on a smaller budget. This is also one of the only automatic watches that have a compass, the compass can be used by using the instructional guide written above about how to use a rotating bezel.
This particular model of Seiko 5 watches is a little higher end and more expensive than the standard models within the range. As you can see, it is made entirely from stainless steel and has a much thicker bezel. Overall, this Seiko 5 can be worn both casually and also in the field, making it very versatile and reusable.
Suunto Core
One of the few watches with a compass and thermometer, the Suunto Core was built for harsh winter environments in Finland, so can easily handle anything you have to throw at it. Although the Core looks just like a smartwatch, it actually is not, it runs off a replaceable battery just like any other regular watch. It is built to be rugged and survive tough settings, as well as having a ton of features such as a barometer, depth gauge and dual time zone settings.
This watch is really good value for money and considerably cheaper than products such as the Casio Pro Trek which is very similar in terms of specifications.
